Deer: The relentless fall rains we have had in Texas have provided a bloom of winter forbs. This is great in the end, but in the short term, it has caused the deer to move away from the feeders. In the oak regions, there is a bumper crop of acorns. Right now, hunters are reporting that the deer hunting is tough due to the abundant native feed. This will improve when the frost comes, the weather cools and the acorns rot on the ground from all the moisture.
Our trail cam pictures are showing excellent antler development this year. This should be a great year for quality. Be patient because the rut is near and the hunting will continue to improve as the season progresses.
Field Notes
June 10, 2009
Quail: Texas - Oklahoma Dateline: After a dry and somewhat disappointing quail hatch last summer, things look on track for a better than average quail season. Last season we fell well below our 24 year average of 18.8 coveys per day per party to 13.2 coveys per day per party.
However, this spring's timely rains and cooler tempatures have provided all the necessary ingredients for a good quail hatch. Medium to large size broods (averaging 14 chicks per brood) are already present and many birds are still nesting. The insect hatch has been excellent, providing the little chicks with plenty of the necessary foods sources they depend on. Conditions for our hunting grounds in the Panhandle of Oklahoma and Rolling Plains of Texas in Glasscock County are better than they have been for the last three seasons. Rainfall in the months of March - June has resulted in the earliest hatch we have had in several years. This could be the best quail season we have had in many years.